THE LORD IS SALVATION: Proto-Isaiah
The Structure of Proto-Isaiah:
Introduction
Chapters 1-5 – Judah on trial**
The Prophet
Chapter 6 – The world ends – the call of Isaiah*
Act I
Chapters 7-8 – Jerusalem attacked by Assyria – God tells King Ahaz of Judah to stand firm
Chapter 9:1-7 – Prophecy about the coming Messiah*
Act II
Chapters 9:8-10 – The destruction of Israel (Samaria) by Assyria, Assyria’s destruction
Chapter 11:1-10 – Prophecy about the coming Messiah*
Chapter 11:11-16 – A remnant will return*
Chapter 12 – PRAISE*
Act III
Chapters 13 – 17:3 – The destruction of Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, Moab, and Damascus
Chapter 17:4-11 – Israel is judged
Chapters 17:12 – 23 – Cush, Egypt, Babylon, Dumah, Arabia, Jerusalem, Shebna, Tyre, and the whole earth are judged and destroyed
Chapter 24 – APOCOLYPSE, the judgment of the entire earth**
Chapters 25-27 – SALVATION**
Act IV
Chapter 28:1-22 – Drunk with the Law, man is unprepared to deal with death
Chapter 28:23-29 – The supremacy of the Lord’s natural law
Chapter 29 – Jerusalem: God’s mercy on those bound by the law, the unjust are vanquished and the righteous are rewarded
Chapter 30:1-17 – Condemnation of seeking help from Egypt
Chapter 30:18- 31 – Mercy, victory, and help come from God alone*
Chapters 32-33 – The Lord Arises, the Righteous Kingdom Comes, peace for the righteous and terror for the unjust
Chapter 34 – APOCOLYPSE
Chapter 35 – The Holy Way*
Act V
Chapter 36 – Assyria threatens Jerusalem
Chapter 37:1-7 – Hezekiah Inquires of Isaiah
Chapter 37-8-13 – Sennacherib’s threatening letter**
Chapter 37:14-35 – Hezekiah Prays, the Lord confirms Isaiah’s word**
Chapter 37:36-38 – Victory is the Lord’s*
Epilogue
Chapter 38 – Hezekiah’s illness and recovery
Chapter 39 – Hezekiah opens the door to Babylonian captivity
*It is anticipated that this section will be explored entirely during the class time
**It is anticipated that this section will be explored partially during the class time
Students are encouraged to read the entire text and come prepared with questions.
